Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’re in for a real delight with these Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping. This recipe blends the moist, spiced pumpkin donuts with a luscious glaze and a crunchy crumb topping, creating a balance of textures and flavors that make each bite irresistible. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a festive gathering, these donuts will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen with every mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping comes alive through simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each element is essential: the spice cake mix provides a flavorful base, pumpkin puree adds moisture and that unmistakable fall touch, and the crumb topping brings a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft donut. Don’t overlook the glaze—it adds just the right amount of sweetness to tie it all together.

• Spice cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The perfect foundation loaded with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to give your donuts a festive spice punch.
• Canned pumpkin puree (¾ cup): Adds moisture and that iconic pumpkin flavor, but be sure to use pure puree, not pie filling, to keep the texture just right.
• Eggs (2): These bind everything together and contribute to the donut’s tender crumb.
• Melted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and ensures a lovely, soft texture inside the donut.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Sweet and slightly molasses-y, it’s the heart of the crumb topping’s flavor.
• Flour (¼ cup): Gives structure to the crumb topping, helping it stay delightfully crumbly.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Boosts the warm, autumnal flavors in both the donut and the topping.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): For the crumb topping, melted to create those buttery clumps of deliciousness.
• Quaker Quick Oats (2 tablespoons): Adds texture and bite to the crumb, making it irresistibly crunchy.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base of the glaze, providing a smooth sweetness to finish off the donuts.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

Start by whisking together your spice cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter in a large bowl. This combo creates the tender, spiced base of your donuts. The pumpkin keeps the texture moist and adds a vibrant orange hue, making the donuts as pretty as they are delicious.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, melted butter, and oats. Mix until you achieve a crumbly texture where small clumps start to form. This topping is where you get that wonderful crunchy contrast that makes these donuts truly stand out.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter evenly into a greased or silicone donut pan until about three-quarters full. Then generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each donut. This step ensures that every bite will have that coveted crumbly finish baked right on top.

Step 4: Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The crumb topping will be golden and slightly crisp, signaling they’re ready to come out and cool a bit before glazing.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the donuts cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the donuts perfectly, adding a shiny, sweet layer that complements the spiced pumpkin flavor and crumbly top.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over the crumb topping. Let the glaze set for a few minutes so that each donut becomes a beautiful, sweet masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or additional oats on top of the glaze before it sets. Crushed candied pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar also make for beautiful and tasty garnishes that enhance the visual appeal and give a hint of added flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

These Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or even hot apple cider. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness with some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Put these donuts on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal picnic or brunch centerpiece. You can also stack them in a donut tower for parties, or package them in individual boxes as charming gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. After that, the crumb topping might start to lose its crispness, so enjoy them sooner if you can!

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts either before glazing or after the glaze has set. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month—perfect if you want to prep ahead for a guaranteed seasonal treat whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen donuts fresh, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven to revive the soft texture and melt the glaze slightly.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for pumpkin crumb muffins or even use silicone cupcake liners. Just keep an eye on baking time—it may be slightly different.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, they’re different. For this recipe, use plain canned pumpkin puree without added sugar or spices, because pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which can alter the dough’s texture and taste.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

While melted butter adds richness and flavor, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil if needed. The texture might be a bit different, but the donuts will still be moist and delicious.

How do I get the crumb topping extra crunchy?

Using quick oats and a little extra butter helps create that wonderful crunch. Be careful not to overmix the topping—small clumps are what you want to bake into a crumbly texture.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free spice cake mix and substitute the flour in the crumb topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping at home—each bite bursts with warm spices and comforting pumpkin flavor, topped with a crunchy, buttery topping and silky glaze. These donuts have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I know once you try them, they’ll be a favorite in yours too. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy all the delicious fall vibes in every bite!

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